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Video: 2018 Yamaha GP1800 Impeller Swap – Long Haul Ep. 28

By
Kevin Shaw
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Listen, we’ve all done it. Even the best of us. Sucking up a rock, stick or some other bit of debris is a pretty common phenomenon, and shouldn’t be the reason you hang your lanyard and sit out the rest of your riding season.

Despite all the today’s modern braking/reverse system, electronic trim controls and all that other nonsense, the standard layout of a PWC jet pump is still surprisingly simple and straightforward. This makes performing an impeller swap is surprisingly simple just as long as you take your time, have the right tools and follow these pretty simple-to-follow steps.

While enjoying our 2018 Yamaha GP1800 WaveRunner a little to close to shore, we passed a few rocks through our pump and incurred a bit of damage to our factory impeller. Smart enough to know we had done so, we immediately killed the engine after coasting to shore. Gratefully, the rock(s) had dislodged, allowing us to get home. (Some aren’t so fortunate.)

The assessed damage was gratefully minor: one blade’s leading edge was blunted and bent up ever-so-slightly. The other two blades had their sharpened edges dinged and dulled. Now, while flattened or dulled edges don’t sound too bad, they can lead to slowed acceleration, cavitation and lower top speeds, as well as vibrations (harmonics) that can cause severe engine and pump wear if not treated quickly. Wanting to ensure no further damage came to our Yamaha, a swap needed to be done.

Today, The Watercraft Journal is happy to provide you a very basic, beginner’s guide on how to perform this service in your own home garage. Make sure to pick up a Yamaha Prop Removal Tool from either RIVA Racing or the Greenhulk.net PWC Performance Store prior to commencing the job.

Other tools include a 14mm socket, a 5/32 Allen wrench or socket, a traditional flat-head screwdriver, 27mm (or 1 1/16″) wrench, a breaker bar or extension for the wrench (for leverage), and a sturdy 15-pound or heavier vise mounted to a workbench. Also pick up some good marine-grade grease and brake cleaner. We also suggest a MAP/PRO torch (propane isn’t going to cut it) to help loosen the impeller’s bite on the shaft threads.

Did Yamaha Australia Just Let Slip a Major Spoiler For 2019’s Lineup?

By
Kevin Shaw
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Listen, we’re all excited to learn what Yamaha Motor Corp. USA has in store for 2019, but it would appear that the social media team for Yamaha’s Australian division just let slip a major spoiler. So if you don’t want to spoil the full reveal coming August 15th, you best click on another article right quick. OK? Yeah, here we go:

In a Facebook post dated July 17th, the Yamaha WaveRunners Australia page published a gallery of five images featuring SuperJets from different models from various time periods each with stylized font reading “The End of a Legend.” Above the gallery, it read “So many memories. Which one stands out for you? #SuperJet #lastevermodel.”

The images and the accompanying hashtags clearly revealed that 2019 would mark the end of the SuperJet as we know it. Of course, The Watercraft Journal has been pushing the notion that as 2020 will denote the 30th anniversary of the SuperJet that a long rumored, highly anticipated TR-1 1049cc 4-stroke version of the standup would take its place.

Yet, as the Yamaha Australia team would have us believe, it may be the final send off for the SuperJet completely. If that is so, it’ll be a sad day when we all bid farewell to the last of the OE production 2-stroke standups, marking truly, the end of an era.

Update: The Watercraft Journal recently spoke with Yamaha Motor Australia’s National Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Aaron Taha who explained, “Australia introduced a new 2-stroke emissions law banning the distribution and selling of all 2-stroke models in Australia. Because the SuperJet is a 2-stroke model, it has been discontinued in Australia moving forward.”

Sea-Doo Lost During Hurricane Sandy Found 6 Years Later

By
Ocean Priselac
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This is a remarkable story from NJ.com. Six years after a Sea-Doo was lost during Hurricane Sandy has been returned to its owner, Hillside Fire Department fireman, Douglas Ferrigno. During the hurricane, the machine was torn away from the dock behind Ferrigno’s Pelican Island home. Someone found it and unfortunately reported an incorrect tag number and Ferrigno thought his Sea-Doo was a victim of the storm. Last week, Ferrigno posted a photo of his missing Sea-Doo on his Facebook page. The old photo featured the Sea-Doo secured to the dock prior to Hurricane Sandy.

The remains of another PWC were found while another ski sat damaged and unclaimed at an empty damaged waterfront home in Brick,NJ. The home was undergoing renovations and a contractor was preparing to remove the beat up Sea-Doo and decided to have the police run the numbers a second time and sure enough, it was Ferrigno’s ski. He received a call July 2cd from the Brick Township Police and was in disbelief that his ski was found.

Ferrigno drove 6 miles, 6 years later to find his Sea-Doo with all its parts and in working order. The cover was still secured to the machine, which kept the rain out and the key in the ignition. He took the Sea-Doo home, replaced the battery, spark plugs, and added new gas. The Sea-Doo cranked over and it’s back on the dock as though it never left.

Ferrigno considered finding his Sea-Doo a blessing after reeling from the devastating effects of the storm. He was only able to move back into his home in April and hadn’t purchased a new PWC so the return of his old Sea-Doo makes him feel as though things are back to normal.

“We all went through devastation down there,” Ferrigno said. “It’s a nice symbol to know that good things can happen. I got it out yesterday. It’s out in the water. It’s like nothing ever happened to it.”

Enter To Join The “Brave The Wave” Michigan Wave Makers Event

By
Kevin Shaw
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Terri Nallamothu and Ryan Kulka began the Michigan Wave Makers, LLC waaay back in 2017. Well, OK it wasn’t that far back. But they did it to “bring the thrill of the jet ski competition world to the great state of Michigan.”

According to the group’s web page, the “community of Lake Orion is proud to be hosting events that will bring jet ski riders from around the country to compete in freestyle events, as well as a races with a generous prize purse for the winners in each category.

“We hope that we continue to grow and bring more events around Michigan for many more years to come. ”

Coming this August 18th, 2018 is the Wave Makers’ “Brave the Wave” event, which opened up rider registration just recently. Registration deadline is August 10th, so there’s not a lot of time to waste. And you should want to join the fun because a portion of proceeds from Brave the Wave 2018 will go toward the McLaren Oakland Foundation, an organization “established in 2004 to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, race and financial status has access to state-of-the-art health care services.” Good stuff!

2019 Yamaha WaveRunners To Be Revealed This August 14th, 2018

By
Kevin Shaw
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See that itty bitty speck in the background? That’s the only leaked image of a 2019 Yamaha WaveRunner that you’re going to see here on The Watercraft Journal. Oh yes, there is much to be excited about in the coming weeks and months, and we’re certain there’s going to be quite a few questions that you’re going to want answered.

Well, it’s a good thing we’re so good at our jobs, because The Watercraft Journal will be (quite literally) the only personal watercraft media outlet to not only provide you a full-length feature article documenting the entire lineup, all of the new models (there’s quite a few), all the details (there’s even more of those too), and sharing gobs of photography – both provided by Yamaha’s marketing team as well as our own stuff.

And while you’re trying to digest all of that, we’ll also have a very special edition of our YouTube show “Long Haul” published simultaneously walking you around these new machines, show you how they handle in the water, and even bring in Yamaha Product Manager Scott Watkins to set us straight on a few things. Yup, it’s gonna be a big day. Oh wait! What day was it, you ask? All of this will be live at exactly midnight, 10pm EST, on August 14th, 2018. Stay awake. Watch your social media feeds. It’s coming…

2018 World Finals Participants To Be Featured In Rippenkroeger’s Movie

By
Kevin Shaw
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Just a couple of months ago, The Watercraft Journal let you know that one of the most famous athletes in jet racing, Larry Rippenkroeger is filming what he hopes to be a mainstream-released action comedy centered in the world of…well, jet ski racing. The racer-turned-Hollywood stuntman has made a career out of being in front of the camera, and now is taking a swing at being the man behind the lens in his film “Hot Water.”

News came out recently that Ripper and crew were going to be in attendance at this year’s 2018 Blowsion IJSBA World Finals, and that participants in this year’s Finals were going to be featured in the movie itself! The IJSBA was quoted, “IJSBA is very pleased to release the first of many exciting press releases regarding opportunities for the PWC Racing Community to be a part of the Hot Water Movie – the first feature film about our sport being produced by racing pioneer, hall of famer, and Bruce Willis stunt double, Larry Rippenkroeger.

“Principal shooting will be taking place during the Blowsion World Finals, this year, and event footage will be used in the film. This press release specifically identifies Ski class competitors for specific scenes. If you aren’t a Ski rider, don’t worry, there will be other opportunities coming. If you are a Ski competitor, please see the press release below if you available the weekend of check in.”

For those interested, here’s the original press release:
7/13/18 – Larry Rippenkroeger and the IJSBA are excited to announce that Larry’s feature film, Hot Water, will be in full production during the IJSBA world finals. Cameras will be rolling in the grandstands, on the water, in the pits and everyone has a chance to be in the movie.

In addition, there are a number of specific opportunities for riders and spectators to be a part of this history making event. The IJSBA has arranged for Larry and his crew to begin filming at the world finals race site the week prior to the championship event. The preliminary schedule calls for action shots on the water starting Tuesday, September 25th through Friday, September 28th.

If you are a ski class racer, especially with a GP ski and are interested in riding in simulated racing sequences during that week, plan on coming out, joining the fun and getting on camera.

On Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th Larry will be shooting multiple pit area scenes in City Park in Lake Havasu. This is a great opportunity to bring your pop up tents, all types of race skis, atv’s and riders and get yourselves and your sponsors in the movie. A number of riders will also be needed to work as extras alongside the lead actors.

There is also a party scene which will be shot at Kokomo that everyone is invited to join in as well. The date is TBD.

Free food and refreshments will be provided for all race sequence riders and pit area scene participants.

If you are interested in getting on the list to participate in any of these scenes please contact Larry at [email protected].

Include your contact information, which days or scenes you would like to participate in and any other related information that might be helpful i.e. photo or selfie.

Real Review: XPS S3 Master Tech Hand Cleaner

By
Anthony Radetic
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[Special thanks go out to Sea-Doo X-Team rider Anthony Radetic for today’s special guest edition of “Real Review.” -Ed]

Clean hands are important but clean shouldn’t mean an aggressive cleaner that strips and dries hands. As a Pro Sea-Doo X-team rider, I maintain my equipment to ensure it’s in peak running condition; working with oil and grease, gluing things together with different adhesives, fabricating carbon fiber parts, painting and helping my kids with their school projects.

I’m definitely not afraid to get my hands dirty. I also have limited mobility (wheelchair bound) which means my hands are how I move around in my environment. XPS Master Tech Hand Cleaner S3 with natural pumice was designed by the experts at the XPS lab to get ride of tough dirt by combining a powerful cleaner and a skin moisturizer to remove dirt, grease and grime without drying out and cracking your hands.

Keeping my hands clean and healthy is important to me. In the past, I have tried several big-name hand cleaners. Their aggressive grit cleaned but left my hands dry and chapped. Grease and grime would then stain my dry skin making it impossible to keep my hands clean.

XPS S3 hand cleaner does an outstanding job of cleaning without stripping my hand’s natural moisture, since it has that great skin moisturizer; and given how much I rely on my hands for mobility, it’s a proven winner for me. Try it for yourself, it’s phenomenal. XPS S3 Master Tech Hand Cleaner part number is 779274 (and 779275 for the pump). You can get it at any BRP Sea-Doo or Can-Am dealer

Seven Deadly Questions: TXH2O Racing’s Shaun Compton

By
Ashley Haude
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The Watercraft Journal: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into racing jet skis; what was your first jet ski experience like?
Shaun Compton: I started at 12 years old with my dad. We used to fish tournaments and I guess that’s where my competitive drive started. Three years ago my son suggested we get a jet ski so I found and bought a XDL ’97 and bought it. That ski was where it all started for us as a family.

WCJ: What made you decide you wanted to take the sport to the next level and become TXH2O racing’s event promoter?
SC: In late 2017 I found out that the previous owners of the TXH2O Racing series decided not to continue the program. I felt that that it was important to continue – I mean we followed the Pro Watercross tour for 2 years and figured we’d keep it local instead of chase the tour.

WCJ: Pro Watercross – how has it been working with this sanctioning body?
SC: Pro Watercross has been a true friend as we took over TXH2O Racing; from flying in for the first even, to answering any questions, to reducing the costs of running events. They are very much behind TXH2O Racing!

WCJ: Who came up with the joker buoy idea? Any comments on your course design and logistics?
SC: I can give credit to Claude Clayton for the joker buoy. We spoke about it the first of the year, we were at Genes Polaris in Baytown and it made perfect sense. It is very similar to a penalty buoy, but the fact that all riders must negotiate it adds a strategic decision to make sometime during the race. It has been well received by the racers for sure. Course design comes from what I think people would like, high speed, technical, and a challenge. Since all sites are different I try to mix it up. Logistics are a bit of trouble, having so much equipment to move from site to site it makes longer distant venues very challenging.

WCJ: What is the best part of being a promoter for this region? What makes you spend so much of your time helping others?
SC: The best part of promoting is to see it come together on Saturday morning. Every race is a personal challenge to out do the previous race in some way. We spend the time on events that we do because it’s racing. I’ve been blessed to have time to devote to this. I don’t like ½ efforts so that is why we have such a long list of events we have to do in order to get noticed. My hope one day is to have a region that is as big as the national tour.

WCJ: In becoming a race promoter, what has been the most difficult process transitioning from racer to promoter?
SC: To hang up the helmet has been a bit tough, but it has been worth the trade. Working on the kid’s skis and helping others has been a great exchange for racing. Don’t worry – still plan to race whenever possible.

WCJ: Tell us about your Pro Payout event in Orange Texas later this season.
SC: Orange is the first payout race that I’ve seen, short of a tour stop so I’m happy we could get this done for in our first year. Five hundred for first, $250 for second, and $150 for third payout goes to Pro GP class with a five rider minimum.

WCJ: How do you plan to continue to advance the racing and jet ski community in this region?
SC: I can only build the sport by making it fun, if people don’t show it is hard to build. So in the future I plan to work on ways to cut costs and reduce entry fees so more can enjoy the sport. But it is racing and there are costs that can’t be reduced. Next year I am planning one fun event “The Great Texas Duck Hunt.” Details to follow.

WCJ: Tell us about perks for Junior racers racing with TXH2O racing.
SC: The key focus for me is the juniors – highlighting their success and working to gain kid-friendly sponsors. They are the future so it is very important to make sure they have access and enjoy the sport. That is why I pushed so hard to give the kids the option of sport and spark class. Again, Pro Watercross stepped up and made this happen.

WCJ: What advice would you give to anyone looking to get involved in racing jet skis?
SC: My advice to new racers is come on out, it is fun, people are great, and I’ll guarantee you’ll love it!

WCJ: You have a very family oriented approach to hosting events; as a racer parent, how would you suggest parents get their children involved?
SC: To get involved is simply find something that your kids like and peruse it. Push away from the desk, load up, and hit the water. Kids that have a purpose are less apt to stray, they will build life-long goals, and will learn to rise to the challenges life throws at them.

WCJ: How can people get involved and volunteer with TXH2O Racing?
SC: Volunteers are always welcome, contact me by phone, Facebook, or email! All information can be found on www.txh2oracing.com.

WCJ: What future plans do you have for TXH2O Racing and the southern US region?
SC: Future plans are to reduce costs, condense equipment transport costs, and make it more fun. Plus as I eluded to a cheap for-fun event not to be missed – “The Great Texas Duck Hunt.”

WCJ: Any other thoughts you might like to add?
SC: I would like to thank each racer, family member sponsor, and volunteer for making the first year a bright and fun one. I will keep challenging riders, trying new venues, and keeping it as fresh as possible.

Case of The Mondays: Now You Can Install an Electric Turbocharger in Your PWC…Kinda

By
Kevin Shaw
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Top level technology has its way of getting around to us everyday-types and the hybrid electric turbos used in F1 racing are no exception. Particularly this, the Magneti Marelli hybrid electric turbocharger system. So what exactly is an electric turbo? It’s basically a traditional turbo backed by an electric motor strapped on. This motor allows the turbo to “harvest excess energy” from exhaust gas when boost isn’t needed, and spool up the turbo earlier when boost is needed and there’s not enough exhaust energy.

Like traditional mechanical turbos, a wastegate is needed to scrub excess boost and exhaust gases, as it is the electric motor maintaining the velocity of the turbine when boost is low or too high. This is how the electric turbocharger excels over mechanical turbos, as it helps control potentially damaging boost spikes. Now, don’t be fooled, they are quite a bit heavier, more expensive and more complicated than regular turbos, which is why they’re nowhere near as popular…yet.

In all, the electric turbo offers zero lag, and operates on any traditional 12-volt battery power before launching (zero or low boost) and between gears (scrubbed boost). Best of all, while under full boost, the electric turbocharger actually charges the battery like a high current alternator!

Gallery: 2018 Hydro-Turf JetJam Racing Rds 7 & 8, Wheatland, CA

By
Nicole Mrosek Pettit
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The 2018 Hydro-Turf JetJam Racing Rounds 7 & 8 at Camp Far West in Wheatland, Ca. on June 30th – July 1st. What a great way to start off the holiday week of 4th of July. When you think of iconic ride spots, you think of places like Body Beach, Mission Bay, and the home of this weekend’s race, Camp Car West. In the Northern California area there are few ride spots that are as great as this. JetJam broke a record of attendance and were very pleased with the way things turned out. So many people rolled in on Wednesday and Thursday and assisted the staff in getting the course set early. It just goes to show how much everyone appreciates this race series.

Saturday morning came upon us quick, the temperatures and winds were on the rise along with all the excitement of racing. With the JetJam racing crew knocking it out of the park once again, they drew in a great amount of racers from the surrounding areas, let alone the racers they drew in from far and wide, to go to battle at this well-known, NorCal hot spot. The Red Shirts laid out a phenomenal course for the competitors, with its tight turns, long sweepers, and dog fight worthy split. The action went wire to wire every race. Shortly after the start of the race, unfortunately, one of our favorite Nevada riders, Mitch Jonas, had a crash on the log jump and suffered a broken leg. He was one tuff guy as he pushed through all the pain. Prayers for a speedy recovery!!! The rescue staff did an amazing job in handling the situation. JetJam really does have one of the best water safety crews around.

The rest of the day brought some awesome racing. The X2 class having 13 racers on the line and the Ski GP2 Limited class with 11. The 550 class followed shortly behind with 9 racers. There were great battles in these 3 classes both days, which resulted in payouts for the overall of the weekend. Congratulations to the winners: X2 – first place Hayden Item, second place James Gagnon and third place Doug Wolff. Ski GP2 Limited – first place Brock Austin, second place Curtis Pittman and third place Matt Rollings. Vintage 550 – first place Bryson Olsen, second place Michael Prodanivich and third place Travis Kinney. Along with all of this great racing we were also able to watch an awesome battle of the Sea Chickens on Saturday.

Walking down the shoreline, and though every pit, you could see the excitement on everyone’s faces as they all had a chance to stoke rivalries, renew friendships and make new friendships. All of which brought the community ever closer together. And with them being so tight knit, even though the excitement of the day was over, the fun was still being had in the pits. With the rider appreciation potluck being underway, the stories and laughter filled the air as the night closed in. It was also great to have the red shirt crew join in on the post race festivities. Without them doing everything they do, this race series would not be as amazing as it is.

I want to give huge shout out to Jason “Pshyco” Ward for coming out to CFW to announce this race. As many of you know, Jason was involved in a horrible work accident and is still recovering from it. He did an awesome job on the mic and he will be announcing again at the next race at Mossdale Lake.

Thank you to all the red shirt crew staff. Without you all, this race would not have been possible. Kary Austin, Bill Austin, Brock Austin, Evan Kilkus, Bryce Guyman, Nicole Pettit, Amanda Gutierrez, Ayva Pettit, Lizzy Harden, John Bonkowski, Robert Stellhorn, Duane Bascom, Doug Wolff, Mel Harden, Craig Johnson (Paramedic) and Justin James. And Last but not least, Jackie Harden and Amanda Stellhorn for running the JetJam Café and making sure the staff and riders were fed.

JetJam Sponsor List: : HydroTurf, Bud Light, Hidden Trails Motosports, River Rat Motorsports, Bodyline Swim Shop, Skat Trak, Pro Watercraft Racing, Water Craft Direct, Nprotune, Jet Renu, M&M Marine, TC Freeride, 3-2-1 Kawasaki, Blowsion, JetLift, Ryno Power, The Watercraft Journal, Team Oakley, Pro Rider Magazine, Shark Energy Drink, Devas Bling, Riva Racing, Gallaghers, Throttle Junkie News, Coach T’s BBQ, Every Kid Counts Charity, O’neill S&E, Sun Solutions, Titan Performance, Bomber Eyewear, WCWCC and Westside Media

All photos provided by Kenny Wong, and originals can be purchased HERE.

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